In 'Just and Unjust Wars,' philosopher Michael Walzer explores the moral complexities surrounding warfare and the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals and nations. With a compelling blend of history and moral reasoning, Walzer questions what makes a war just or unjust, urging readers to grapple with their own beliefs about justice in conflict. Through thought-provoking examples, he delves into concepts like the just cause, proportionality, and the treatment of prisoners. This book is a crucial examination of the psychological toll of war and the responsibilities of combatants and civilians alike. Will you challenge your understanding of morality in war?
By Michael Walzer
Published: 2015
"War is not merely an act of violence; it is a complex moral landscape where justice and injustice coexist, challenging our notions of right and wrong in the most profound ways."
A penetrating investigation into moral and ethical questions raised by war, drawing on examples from antiquity to the present Just and Unjust Wars has forever changed how we think about the ethics of conflict. In this modern classic, political philosopher Michael Walzer examines the moral issues that arise before, during, and after the wars we fight. Reaching from the Athenian attack on Melos, to the Mai Lai massacre, to the current war in Afghanistan and beyond, Walzer mines historical and contemporary accounts and the testimony of participants, decision makers, and victims to explain when war is justified and what ethical limitations apply to those who wage it.
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“War is not merely an act of violence; it is a complex moral landscape where justice and injustice coexist, challenging our notions of right and wrong in the most profound ways.”
Just and Unjust Wars
By Michael Walzer
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Michael Walzer is an esteemed American political theorist and author known for his influential work in the fields of political philosophy and social justice. He is best recognized for his notable books, including 'Just and Unjust Wars', 'Spheres of Justice', and 'The Company of Critics'. Walzer's writing is characterized by its rigorous analysis, engaging prose, and a focus on the moral implications of political actions. His contributions to debates on ethics in warfare, multiculturalism, and democracy have established him as a prominent voice in contemporary political thought.
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